As we approach winter, it is important to be mindful of how winter conditions affect fuel usage. Preparing for the cold weather and winterizing your fuel is just as important as planning your routes and regular truck maintenance.
When you start to get low on fuel, this will not only cost you a longer downtime but may lead to late delivery charges from customers and can affect your earnings.
Don’t worry at Dynamic Transit, we’re here to help you stay proactive and keep your rig in tip-top shape for safety and efficiency.
Why Fuel Mileage Drops in Winter?
Cold temperatures and strong winds can reduce your fuel efficiency because the additional road conditions caused by wind, snow, or icy road conditions make your truck work harder and burn more fuel. That means, even if you drive the same routes as usual, it is likely you won’t be able to go as far as you typically would during warmer weather.
Making the extra stop is okay. Even if you must stop at an unauthorized fuel station like a Loves or a TA Travel Center, the cost of doing this is still far less than having to deal with the headache of completely running out of fuel, having to wait for roadside assistance, or even worse the inability to get into contact with your driver manager or dispatcher.
Proactive Tips to Avoid Running Out of Fuel
- Plan Your Routes & Fuel Stops: This is a very important key step. It is always good practice to check your fuel levels and plan your stops accordingly. If you are near a fuel stop and your tank is getting low, stop. Even if it is not your designated stop for the day, it is better to get ahead than to run out of fuel.
- Frequently Check the Weather & Road Conditions: When there are high winds or cold temperatures, this will drain your fuel faster. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather and adapt you’re driving based on how much fuel you have. Needing apps to download? We got you covered.
- Don’t Wait for the Warning Light: Don’t wait until the last minute until the low fuel light comes on, by then you are cutting things too close. A good practice is to make a stop before reaching 1/4 tank, especially during the winter months since more fuel is burned.
- Be Aware of Fuel Efficiency: If you start to notice that you are burning fuel faster than usual, go find a fuel station. This is important because during bad weather conditions especially driving in high winds, snow, or icy conditions, this can significantly affect fuel efficiency. Taking these proactive steps and planning, allows our drivers to stay safe on the road, minimize delays, and avoid unnecessary costs.
A Key Reminder: Keep Your Tank Above 1/4 Full
One key takeaway during this colder weather is to never let your tank drop below 1/4 full. Running low on fuel can mean a recipe for trouble. If you’re out on the road and your tank is close to empty, is it better to go to an authorized fueling station, even if it’s out of your way, than to risk not having enough fuel and getting stuck or needing a service request.
So, remember drivers, stay safe, and make sure to keep that fuel tank above 1/4!
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